Hindutva and Christian Nationalism – Religious Nationalisms and the Threat to Democracy

🗓 Date: Wednesday, April 9th
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM ET
📍 Location: Brothers College Lounge, Drew University, 36 Madison Ave, Madison, NJ

🎙 Speakers Include:

• Rev. Neal Christie (The Religious Nationalisms Project)

• Zahir Adil (Justice For All)

• Rev. Peter Cook (NY State Council of Churches)

• Pieter Friedrich (Author)

📝 Description:
Join us for a critical conversation exploring the global rise of religious nationalism. This event will examine the parallels between Hindutva and Christian Nationalism, and how their interconnected ideologies are eroding democracies and human rights across the world.

🎓 Hosted by: Justice For All
🤝 Sponsored by:

• Indian American Muslim Council

• Students for Justice in Palestine

• Muslim Students Association

National March for Palestine: Stop the Repression, Stop the Genocide
Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Location: Washington, D.C. (exact location TBA — see website)
Details:
Join the historic March on Washington for Palestine to demand an end to the genocide in Gaza, an arms embargo on Israel, and justice for Palestinians facing repression across the globe.

Endorsed by a wide coalition of justice and faith organizations — including Hindus for Human Rights — this national mobilization sends a clear message: Stop the Repression. Stop the Genocide. Free Palestine.

📢 Bring signs, bring your voice, bring your community.
🚌 Transportation info, flyers, and organizing tools available at:
🔗 https://www.marchforpalestine.org

Socialist Night School: The Hindu Supremacist Movement in India and the U.S.

📅 Date & Time: March 27, 2025 • 6:00 PM
📍 Location: West End Library, Washington, D.C.
🔗 RSVP:tinyurl.com/SNSHindutva

Join Hindus for Human Rights, the MDC DSA Internationalism Working Group, and the MDC DSA Political Education Working Group for a crucial discussion on the rise of Hindu supremacism in both India and the U.S. This session will explore the ideological roots, transnational influence, and political impact of Hindutva, as well as the resistance movements fighting against its spread.

This event is part of the Socialist Night School series, providing a space for deep political education and discussion.

Who should attend?
🟢 Activists, organizers, scholars, and community members concerned about the global rise of religious nationalism.
🟢 Those interested in understanding the links between Hindutva and broader far-right movements.
🟢 Anyone seeking to stand in solidarity with movements for justice, democracy, and secularism.

For more details, visit: tinyurl.com/SNSHindutva

Countering Hindu Supremacy and the Multiracial Far Right Amidst the Authoritarian Onslaught

Date & Time: March 27, 2025 | 2:00 PM EST / 11:00 AM PST
Location: Online Webinar
Hosted by: Political Research Associates (PRA) & Savera – United Against Supremacy
Join Political Research Associates (PRA) and Savera for a critical briefing on the rise of Hindu supremacy and its intersections with the multiracial far right in the U.S. and beyond. This discussion will examine the authoritarian threats posed by these movements and explore strategies for resistance and advocacy.

Register Here:
bit.ly/CounteringHinduSupremacyWebinar

Spread the word! Let’s work together to dismantle supremacist ideologies and advocate for justice.

Baithaks for Liberation: Feminist Hinduism in Action
Resisting Brahmanical Patriarchy Through Inclusive Ritual and Practice

Date & Time
Sunday, March 23rd, 2025
12:00 PM Eastern / 9:00 AM Pacific

RSVP
tinyurl.com/MarBaithak

Description
Join us for the second installment of HHfR’s “Baithaks for Liberation: Conversations on Building a Liberatory Hinduism.” In honor of Women’s History Month, this discussion uplifts the voices of two pioneering panditas who are at the forefront of challenging Brahmanical patriarchy in Hindu ritual and practice. We’ll delve into their journeys to leadership, their resistance to gatekeeping in sacred spaces, and their contributions to fostering radically inclusive spiritual practices—affirming a liberatory Hinduism rooted in gender justice for all.

Mata Ki Chowki
Presented by Shridevi Arts

Location:
Shaanti Bhavan Mandir
109-10 98th St, Ozone Park, NY 11417

Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM

Join us for an evening of devotion and celebration at Mata Ki Chowki, a special spiritual gathering filled with bhajans and prayers dedicated to Mata Rani.

Envisioning a Constitutionally True India
Upholding democratic values and the role of diaspora

Date & Time:
March 21, 2025 | 7:30 - 9:30 PM

Location:
University of Toronto Mississauga

Speakers:

• Harsh Mander(Virtual)

• Sunita Viswanath(In person)

• T.M. Krishna(Virtual)

Presented by:
The Centre for South Asian Critical Humanities & Canadians for Indian Democracy

Event Description:
Join us for an insightful discussion on the importance of democratic values and the role of the diaspora in shaping a just and inclusive India. Featuring renowned human rights advocate Harsh Mander, HfHR Executive Director Sunita Viswanath, and celebrated musician and public intellectual T.M. Krishna, this event will explore pressing issues of democracy, constitutional values, and transnational activism.

Register now for the event on Eventbrite!

Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/csach-and-cid-present-envisioning-a-constitutionally-true-india-tickets-1264306989239

Feel free to share this with your friends in Canada.

Organizers:
University of Toronto - Centre for South Asian Critical Humanities

HfHR Hosts a Free Movie Screening of A Billion Colour Story

📅 Date & Time: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
📍 Location: NSW Parliament, 6 Macquarie St, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

Join Hindus for Human Rights, Australia for a special free screening of A Billion Colour Story, a powerful film that explores themes of secularism, diversity, and unity in modern India. Through the lens of a young boy and his filmmaker parents, the movie challenges societal prejudices and celebrates the richness of pluralism.

This screening is an opportunity for meaningful discussion on the importance of tolerance, democracy, and human rights in India and beyond.

🎟️ Reserve Your Spot: Humanitix Event Page

Nari Shakti: A Discussion on Women's Power in India

March 18, 2025, at 10:30 AM
Location: Online (Zoom)

Join us for a conversation with Indian activists on how women's political power impacts their freedom of movement in India. This discussion will explore whether increased political participation can help address gender-based violence, particularly for caste-oppressed and minority women.

We will also examine how women’s participation across caste and faith influences government policies on gender justice and explore legal, cultural, and political solutions to ensure bodily autonomy and safety for women and gender minorities in India.

🔗 Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mHiY4FjqTcqEjBZRFVG4YQ#/registration

HfHR Uniting for Peace Interfaith Holi Celebration

📅 Date & Time: Sunday, March 16, 2025 | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM AEDT
📍 Location: Boronia Grove Community Centre, Epping, Australia

🌸 Event Description:

Holi is more than just a festival of color—it is a celebration of India's diverse, syncretic culture. From its tribal spring origins to its significance in Sikh, Muslim, and Bhil traditions, Holi embodies unity and joy.

At a time when forces seek to divide, we come together in love and respect for all cultures. Celebrate with us through music, color, and community!

🎟️ Register here: Humanitix Event Page

Purim Holi: A Celebration of Cross-Cultural Courage, Faith, and Liberation

📅 Date & Time: Saturday, March 15th, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Fireside Shelter, Avery Park, Corvallis, OR
🎉 Event Type: Family-Friendly, Interfaith, Cultural Celebration

About the Event:

Join us for Purim Holi, a vibrant celebration of courage, faith, and liberation across cultures! This unique gathering brings together the joyous traditions of Purim and Holi, highlighting the shared themes of resilience, renewal, and community.

This event is sponsored by Mid-Valley Jews for Peace and Hindus for Human Rights, fostering solidarity and shared joy between Jewish and Hindu communities.

🔗 Register here: tinyurl.com/holipurimcorvallis

Hindus for Human Rights: Chicago Chapter Meeting

Saturday, March 15th
Time: 3 PM – 5 PM CT
West Loop, Chicago (Address provided after RSVP)
RSVP: tinyurl.com/HfHRCHI315

Join Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR) Chicago Chapter for a ‘Chai Chat’ ! This gathering will focus on navigating tough conversations with friends, family, and community members who have fallen into the Hindutva pipeline.

Let’s come together for dialogue, support, and strategies to engage in meaningful discussions.

Join The Polis Project on Thursday, 13 March 2025, for a powerful installment of our relaunched Dispatches series on X Spaces. Titled “Unveiling State Violence Against Adivasi Children in Bastar,” this conversation will delve into the human rights violations and militarization impacting the region’s marginalized communities—especially children.

Teacher and activist Shreya Khemani and activist Soni Sori will share firsthand insights from Bastar, revealing how relentless security operations have jeopardized childhoods and eroded fundamental human rights. The Polis Project’s Assistant Editor Aritry Das will lead the discussion, examining the key findings of Khemani’s investigation and exploring the broader implications of state-led violence.

When:

• Thursday, 13 March 2025

• 8:00 PM IST / 9:30 AM EST

Where:

• X Spaces Live (follow @project_polis on X for updates)

Ram ke Naam: Screening and Discussion

📽️ Film Screening & Conversation
📅 Tuesday, March 11, 2025
🕡 6:30 – 9:00 PM ET
📍 Chelsea, Manhattan (Address provided after RSVP)
🍽️ Iftar Provided | Suggested Donation: $5-10

Join Hindus for Human Rights and Muslims for Progressive Values for a screening of Anand Patwardhan’s award-winning documentary, Ram ke Naam (In the Name of God). This powerful film explores the Hindutva movement’s violent campaign to demolish the Babri Masjid and build the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

🔗 Register here: bit.ly/RKN311

PaRD CSW69 Roundtable: Partnering for Change
📍 Scandinavia House, New York City
📅 March 11, 2025
⏰ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST (Coffee & refreshments from 9:30 AM)
🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/PaRD-CSW69

📌 Event: Changing the Narrative: Disrupting Disinformation – A Free Online Event for Educators
📆 Date: Wednesday, March 6, 2024
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM UK Time
🌐 Location: Online (Register here: Google Form Link)

About the Event:

This free online webinar is designed for educators looking to explore effective ways to help students resist disinformation and develop critical thinking skills.

Speakers Include:

🎤 Rajiv Sinha – Director, Hindus for Human Rights UK
🎤 Savannah Hanson – Youth Engagement Specialist
🎤 Nic Ponsford – Founder & CEO, Global Equality Collective
🎤 Liz Firth – Secondary Advisor, The Linking Network

Why Attend?

✅ Learn how disinformation spreads & its impact
✅ Gain practical tools to improve media literacy in education
✅ Hear from experts working in activism, education, and media

🔗 Register Now: Google Form Link

📌 Event: Stand Up To Racism & TUC Trade Union Conference – Fighting for Anti-Racist Workplaces & Countering the Far Right
📆 Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025
⏰ Time: 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM GMT
📍 Location: The Wesley, 81-103 Euston Street, London NW1 2EZ & Online (Hybrid Event)

About the Event:

Join Stand Up To Racism and the TUC for the annual trade union conference dedicated to fighting racism in workplaces and countering the rise of the far right. With the alarming spread of far-right ideologies globally, this year’s conference is more critical than ever.

Speakers Include:

💥 Daniel Kebede (NEU General Secretary)
💥 Kudsia Batool (TUC Head of Equalities)
💥 Patrick Roach (TUC Anti-Racist Taskforce Chair & NASUWT General Secretary)
💥 Steve Wright (FBU General Secretary)
💥 Maryam Eslamdoust (TSSA General Secretary)
💥 Rajiv Sinha (Director, Hindus for Human Rights UK)
💥 Sabby Dhalu & Weyman Bennett (Stand Up To Racism Co-Convenors)
💥 Steve Smith (Care4Calais CEO)
…and many more!

Conference Schedule:

📌 11:30 AM: Registration
📌 12:00 – 12:45 PM: Opening Plenary – Taking on the Threat of Reform UK
📌 1:00 – 2:15 PM: Workshops Round One
📌 2:30 – 3:45 PM: Workshops Round Two
📌 3:45 – 4:30 PM: Closing Plenary – The Global Fight Against Racism & Fascism

📢 Join us in person or online. Encourage your union branches to send delegations and pass the model motion to support participation.

🔗 More Info & Registration: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stand-up-to-racism-trade-union-conference-2025-hybrid-event-tickets-1009135931737?aff=oddtdtcreator

🗽 What does it mean to chase the American Dream on a visa?

F1H1B, a short film directed by Kaushik Tare, explores the complexities of immigration, identity, and employment in the U.S. at a time when visa policies are under intense debate.

📅 Date: Wednesday, February 26
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM PST
🌍 Location: Online (Livestream on Tasveer’s YouTube)

🎬 Event Schedule:

• Screening of F1H1B

• Panel Discussion featuring filmmakers and industry experts

🎤 Panelists:

• Kaushik Tare (Director of F1H1B)

• Yudi J | Pranav Nair | Akshat Divatia

🎙️ Moderator:

• Vishv Gupta (Writer/Actor of F1H1B)

🔗 Register: www.tinyurl.com/SignUpF1H1B

Event Listing: Testimonies of Practice of Caste in the USA

📅 Date & Time: February 22, 2025 | 3:00 - 5:00 PM PST
📍 Location: 1060 N 4th St, Suite 200, San Jose, CA 95112
📖 Event Type: Article Reading and Discussion
🏛️ Organized by: Ambedkar King Study Circle (AKSC) Join us for a reading and discussion on testimonies of caste practices in the USA. This interactive session will explore lived experiences and systemic issues related to caste discrimination in different sectors of society.

🔗 Register here: bit.ly/akscrnd
📚 Reading Material: bit.ly/usacastetestimonies

Come be a part of this important conversation and help build awareness and advocacy around caste justice in the USA!

📅 Event: Baithaks for Liberation – Swami Vivekananda’s Complex Legacy

🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, February 22, 2025
⏰ 12 PM ET | 9 AM PT
📍 Online Event
🔗 RSVP Here:tinyurl.com/FebBaithak

Join us for the first installment of HfHR’s Baithaks for Liberation: Conversations on Building a Liberatory Hinduism! This monthly webinar series kicks off with an engaging panel discussion on Swami Vivekananda’s complex legacy.

Event: Friday Night Meetings – Our Delegation to the West Bank
📅 Date: February 21
🕗 Time: 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Maryhouse, 55 East 3rd St.

Join us for a conversation with Mark Colville, Sunita Viswanath, and Beth Brockman as they share their experiences from a recent delegation to the West Bank. This discussion will explore the realities on the ground, solidarity efforts, and reflections on justice and human rights in Palestine.

📢 Hosted as part of the ongoing Friday Night Meetings series, inspired by Peter Maurin’s vision of ongoing clarification of thought.

Calendar Event: Book Launch – Brown Saviors and Their Others (Washington, DC)

📖 Join us for the book launch of Brown Saviors and Their Others by Arjun Shankar!

📅 Date: Thursday, February 20
🕡 Time: 6:30 - 9:00 PM
📍 Location: BOL / Creative Grounds Cafe, 1822 North Capitol St NW, Washington, DC

🎙️ Speakers:

• Arjun Shankar (Author)

• Manu Chander

• Malini Ranganathan

This event will explore themes of race, caste, labor, and global politics, as discussed in Shankar’s latest work.

Don't miss this engaging conversation on social justice and structural inequalities.

📢 Free and open to the public!

Event: A Jericho Walk Against Fascism
📍 Location: 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan
📅 Date: Thursday, February 20th
⏰ Time:

• 11:00 AM – March around Federal Plaza

• 12:00 PM – Press Conference

🔹 A silent vigil of defiance around Federal Plaza
🔹 Standing against injustice and hatred
🔹 Supporting those targeted by a bigoted administration

Event:
Climate Revival & GreenFaith: Washington, D.C.

Date/Time:
Wednesday, February 12, 5:30–7:00 PM

Location:
Lutheran Church of the Reformation
212 East Capitol St. NE
Washington, D.C. 20003

Details:
Join us for a rousing revival and gospel music concert hosted by Climate Revival and GreenFaith.

• Special Performance: Antonique Smith (Grammy-nominated singer, actor, and Co-Founder of Climate Revival) will perform her new single, “Love Song To The Earth.”

• Speakers: Reverend Lennox Yearwood, Jr. (Co-founder of Climate Revival and President/CEO of Hip Hop Caucus), Sunita Viswanath (Hindus for Human Rights), Rev. Mira Sawlani-Joyner (Riverside Church NYC), and more.

• Spread the word for the Climate Revival! here is the sign up link if you are in DC!

Event: Philly Chapter Organizing Meeting

Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
Time: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM ET
Location: Center City, Philadelphia (Exact location will be provided upon RSVP)

Description:
Join Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR) members and supporters as we gather to build community, share concerns and priorities entering the new Trump era, and strategize together on how to build an HfHR chapter in Philadelphia. Let’s organize for justice and solidarity in these critical times!

How to RSVP:
Sign up to attend here: tinyurl.com/phiHfHR

Let me know if you need additional changes or more details!

📅 Event: The Role of Faith Leaders in Peace-Building

🗓 Date & Time: February 7, 2025, at 9:00 AM (EST)
📍 Online Event
🔗 Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EKdfZbnWTu6_Kjv9lyRGYA#/registration

About the Event:
As part of Interfaith Harmony Week, The London Story and the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) are bringing together faith leaders, academics, and civil society members to discuss the role of faith in peace-building and interfaith harmony.

🌍 What to Expect:
✨ Faith leaders from across the world, including Sunita Viswanath, Executive Director of Hindus for Human Rights, will share their experiences addressing religious conflicts.
✨ Academics and civil society members will examine challenges to interfaith harmony and freedom of religion.
✨ Interactive Q&A session to engage with speakers and discuss real-world issues.

This event is open to all! Join us to explore the power of interfaith collaboration in fostering peace. A recording will be available after the event.

📢 Spread the word! Share this event with anyone interested in interfaith dialogue and peace-building.

RELIGIOUS NATIONALISMS SUMMIT

Countering Religious Nationalisms – Multi-Faith Public Witness

Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: United Methodist Building, 100 Maryland Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20010

Join Hindus for Human Rights at this critical summit addressing the rise of religious nationalisms globally. As part of the panel on Hindu Nationalism and Christian Nationalism (10:45 AM – 12:15 PM), our representatives will explore the intersection of Hindu nationalism with global authoritarian trends and its impact on religious minorities.

The day-long program features policy discussions, multi-faith perspectives, and reflections on combating religious nationalism’s threats to democracy. Panels include:

• The Problem of Religious Nationalism, in the US and Globally

• Hindu Nationalism and Christian Nationalism

• Islamic and Jewish Nationalisms

• Religious Nationalism and Democracy: Next Steps

This event, hosted by the National Council of Churches, brings together scholars, advocates, and faith leaders from across traditions.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in collective action against rising extremism.